28 September ARELJ Article- Managing water resources in times of fracking: Regulation and reform in Western Australia September 28, 2022 By AMPLA Admin ARELJ, Environment, General, Industry, Oil and Gas ARELJ, Fracking, Gas 0 Edward Dymond Solicitor, Allion Partners Western Australia’s recent moratorium and ban on hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking”, is reflective of the shale and tight gas industry’s inability to obtain a social licence to operate, despite frequent and ongoing attempts to improve its regulation. Although there are many reasons behind the community’s lack of confidence in fracking, this article suggests that the central issues critical to the debate relate to concerns over water quality, water quantity, and sustainable use for what is, essentially, a very water-intensive practice. In the context of Australia’s goal of moving towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050, together with reducing emissions by 43% below 2005 levels by 2030, this article advocates for further reform in relation to the management of Western Australia’s water resources. Such reform includes improving transparency in the overall assessment process for fracking proposals, greater penalties for contravening water legislation, a statutory water allocation planning system in line with the National Water Initiative, and better mechanisms for Indigenous input. With the transition towards a clean energy future, and the role of natural gas as a transition fuel, it will be necessary to rethink how Western Australia’s water resources are managed in times of fracking. Member Login Required to Access Case Note Read More Related Articles ARELJ Article - Public Duties on the Disposal of Australia's Non-Renewable Resources: The Case for Regulatory Reform ARELJ Article- Till Death Do Us Part: The undue impact of Freeth on Western Australia's Mining Tenement Forfeiture System ARELJ Article- Golden Pig: The continuing effects of Forrest on the Western Australian Mining Industry ARELJ - Case Note - Australian Offshore Petroleum Regulation: Defining and Protecting the National Interest Submission - DISER Consultation Paper December 2020 ‘Enhancing Australia’s decommissioning framework for offshore oil and gas activities’ ARELJ Recent Development- Transitioning Section 18 Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 Consents Under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 of Western Australia Showing 0 Comment Comments are closed.